Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Holiday Favorite

Soft, chewy, chocolatey, and totally irresistible. That pretty much sums up these Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms. If you’ve never made them before, you’re in for a real treat. And if they’re already a staple in your holiday baking, then you know exactly why they vanish faster than you can say “cookie tray.”

This is one of those holiday cookie recipes that hits all the right notes. You’ve got that buttery, sweet peanut butter cookie with a crackly sugar coating, and then BAM—a melty Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. Simple, festive, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re baking for Christmas, a cookie exchange, or just a chilly weekend at home, these classic holiday cookies deserve a spot in your lineup. Trust me, they’re about as iconic as it gets.

Key Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 48 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

You probably have most of these in your pantry already. Here’s what you need:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • About 48 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Note: Stick with creamy peanut butter here—the natural, oily kinds don’t hold up as well in baking.

How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms (Step-by-Step)

These peanut butter and chocolate combo cookies are super beginner-friendly. Here’s how to get it done:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat again until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until you have a smooth peanut butter cookie dough.
  6. Scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar.
  7. Place balls on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. The centers should still look soft.
  9. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
  10. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Every Time

These cookies are pretty forgiving, but a few small tips make a big difference:

  • Don’t overbake. You want the cookies to stay soft and chewy, not dry. They’ll continue baking slightly on the sheet.
  • Use parchment paper to keep the bottoms from over-browning and to prevent sticking.
  • Chilling is not required, which is perfect when you’re short on time.
  • Use a cookie scoop to keep all your cookies the same size.
  • Roll them generously in sugar to get that signature crackled top.

FAQs About Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

Can I make these with crunchy peanut butter?

You can, but the texture might be less smooth and uniform. Stick with creamy for the classic feel.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls, skip the sugar coating, and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a bag and bake as needed. Roll in sugar right before baking.

Why do my cookies crack too much?

That usually means the oven is too hot or the dough was overmixed. Stick to the recipe as closely as possible.

Can I use different chocolates?

Sure! While Hershey’s Kisses are the tradition, you can try peanut butter cups, dark chocolate squares, or even caramel-filled chocolates.

Are these good for gifting?

Yes! They hold their shape and flavor well, and look adorable in cookie boxes or holiday tins.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about these classic peanut butter blossoms is how well they store:

  • Room temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temp.
  • Freezing dough: Unbaked dough balls (without sugar) can be frozen and baked straight from the freezer.

These also make excellent additions to holiday cookie platters or gift bags. Pair them with simple sugar cookies that complement classic blossoms or festive cookie bar recipes for your holiday platter for a well-rounded selection.

Why Everyone Loves Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

There’s something about the mix of soft peanut butter cookies and melty chocolate that hits the holiday sweet spot. These are:

  • A no chill peanut butter cookie recipe
  • Great for holiday dessert recipes
  • Ideal as kid-friendly cookie recipes
  • A perfect example of old-fashioned cookie recipes that never go out of style
  • A crowd-pleasing cookie recipe for bake sales and parties

They’re also an easy go-to if you’re planning a baking day with friends or family. Make these along with Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies – a fun twist on the classic peanut butter version or Pink Velvet Cookies – another soft and chewy holiday cookie option.

If you love these classic holiday cookies, check out these other treats:

Printable Recipe Card

Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • About 48 Hershey’s Kisses

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars.
  3. Add egg, milk, vanilla; mix well.
  4. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt.
  5. Roll dough into balls; coat with sugar.
  6. Bake 8-10 mins.
  7. Press a Kiss into each cookie while warm.
  8. Cool and store in airtight container.
Print
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Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms


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  • Author: Jake
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 48 cookies

Description

Soft, chewy, chocolatey, and totally irresistible—Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are a holiday cookie tray essential, with a sweet peanut butter base and a melty chocolate center.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • About 48 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat again until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until you have a smooth peanut butter cookie dough.
  6. Scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar.
  7. Place balls on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. The centers should still look soft.
  9. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
  10. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Use creamy peanut butter for best results. Do not overbake—cookies should remain soft and chewy.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
Vertical collage of Christmas peanut butter blossom cookies with melted chocolate and a bowl full of holiday treats.
Collage of classic peanut butter blossom cookies in a bowl, close-up with melted chocolate, and holiday-themed layout.

Final Thoughts

Want more cookies, more often? Sign up for the Virilerecipes newsletter and get our best recipes—like these Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms—delivered straight to your inbox. Holiday specials, cookie swaps, and dessert hacks included!

So go ahead, whip up a batch (or two), share them with friends, or keep them all to yourself—we won’t judge. And if you’re building out your holiday cookie line-up, don’t forget to check out our other favorites like Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies and Pink Velvet Cookies. Your cookie tray deserves the best.

Happy baking—and even happier snacking!

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